South Africa's children score a C-minus on health report-card

by LEILA SAMODIEN

‘If South African children were graded on their overall health, they would score a dismal C-minus (60%-65%), a health study has shown.
According to the Healthy Active Kids Report Card, compiled last year, South Africa's children are at an increased risk of developing chronic illnesses later in life.

Four of the major contributing factors were tobacco use, poor diet, lack of physical act-ivity and being overweight - all areas for which they scored "average" to "below-average".

Research for the report card is sourced from surveys by several institutions, including the National Youth Risk Behaviour Survey, the National Food Consumption Survey, the Western Cape School Fitness and Health Surve, and the Health of the Nation Survey, amongst others.

Unhealthy eating, junk-food shops, tobacco use and nutritional deprivation as a cause of stunting - score D (50%-60%) - were major concerns.

Children scored Cs (60%-70%) for exercise and obesity. More than 30% of adolescent girls and 10% of adolescent boys were overweight or obese.

The report card said studies had shown that 40% of children were getting little or no physical exercise.

They were also not maintaining a healthy diet - only 42% ate fruit and vegetables four or more days a week, while 47% ate cakes and biscuits with the same regularity.

South Africa scored an impressive A (80%-100%) for legislation on smoking.

A handful of Bs (70%-80%) were achieved for legislation on sport and education, nutrition programmes and tax controls on tobacco consumption.

The country scored average results for social sport (at school and clubs), health education, physical education (PE) and the training of PE teachers and coaches.

"There is a need to create a culture of healthy lifestyles in our children and youth, through education and by changing social norms," it said.

In a drive for good health, 3 000 children from disadvantaged areas in the province will keep a ball in motion for 50 hours without interruption in an event initiated by Sporting Chance's Brad Bing.

It will take place at the Western Province Cricket Club in Newlands from September 19 to September 21.